Patriots rout Texans, retake lead for top seed in AFC

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HOUSTON >> Tom Brady threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns and the New England Patriots snapped a two-game skid and clinched a playoff spot with a 27-6 win over the Houston Texans on Sunday night.

Brady threw TD passes to Keshawn Martin and Rob Gronkowski in the first half to help New England build a 17-6 lead.

The Patriots didn’t move the ball as well in the second half, but the defense harassed Brian Hoyer into multiple mistakes. Jabaal Sheard had strip sacks on Hoyer twice after halftime. The Patriots recovered the second one early in the fourth, and James White made it 27-6 with a 2-yard run three plays later.

Hoyer was sacked five times and left the game to be evaluated for a concussion with about 9 minutes remaining. The quarterback already missed a game this season after getting a concussion on Nov. 16.

Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount left the game in the second quarter with a hip injury and did not return. He rushed for 6 yards on the play before being tackled by Brian Cushing and Jared Crick and was slow to get up. He walked off on his own power, but was soon taken to the locker room.

Also, New England linebacker Jonathan Freeny left with a hand injury.

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass for a touchdown over Texans strong safety Quintin Demps during the first half Sunday in Houston.

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass for a touchdown over Texans strong safety Quintin Demps during the first half Sunday in Houston.

Photo: George Bridges — The Associated Press

Photo: George Bridges — The Associated Press

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Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass for a touchdown over Texans strong safety Quintin Demps during the first half Sunday in Houston.

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass for a touchdown over Texans strong safety Quintin Demps during the first half Sunday in Houston.